Connections with peers are increasingly important during adolescence, and social media provides opportunities for teens to be socially connected through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Snapchat.  According to the Pew Research Center, 81 percent of teens in the U.S. use social media and benefit from the opportunities of relationship building, creative expression, entertainment and exposure to current events.  However, social media also can be harmful to teen mental health, and there is increasing evidence that links rising social media use to depression and anxiety among adolescents.

Using social media activates the reward center in the brain by releasing dopamine, a chemical that influences a person’s mood and feelings of reward and motivation.  Individuals post content on social media with the hope of receiving positive feedback in the form of likes, shares and comments.  These rewards cause dopamine levels in the brain to rise, and associates social media use with positive reinforcement.  While these validations boost self-esteem and give teens a sense of belonging in their social circles, such also can lead to addictive behavior to social media.  

Sleep disruption is a common problem of social media use and can cause poor sleep habits among adolescents.  Teens often feel that they must remain socially connected and available at all times, for fear of missing an important conversation or invitation if they do not respond immediately.  Unhealthy behaviors, such as sleeping with their phone or checking messages in the middle of the night, affect a teen’s sleep quality, and lead to depression and anxiety.

The fear of being excluded from social events also can interfere with daily activities as teens constantly check social media instead of focusing on chores, homework or other events.  Excessive use of social media can lead to addictive behavior, which can affect teens both physically and mentally.
Body image also is a mental health issue associated with social media use.  Teens who use social media excessively are more likely to compare their body with the profiles of celebrities and other attractive users, which can lead to negative feelings and judgment about their own body and possible development of eating disorders.

Parents can help protect their children from negative effects by talking with them about responsible online behavior and monitoring their social media use.  Below are other ways parents can help positively influence their children’s relationship with social media:

• Set reasonable limits.  Parents can help teens learn how to avoid letting social media interfere with their activities, sleep or homework.  Establishing a bedtime routine that does not include electronic media use and not allowing cellphones and tablets in bedrooms are appropriate boundaries.  Parents can set an example by following the rules they establish.
• Build a relationship of trust surrounding social media.  Talking about social media at an early age can encourage children to feel comfortable to discuss online issues with their parents that may arise in the future.
• Explain unacceptable behavior.  Discourage teens from gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying or damaging a person’s reputation and discuss what is appropriate and safe to share on social media.
• Encourage face-to-face contact with friends.  In-person interaction among teens helps them build self-confidence and enhances their communication skills.  It also can assist them with relationship building and developing leadership skills.